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Students interested in pursuing business degrees have access to a variety of specialized scholarships.
For students pursuing a business education, scholarships can provide access to funding based on factors like merit, financial need, location, and specialty. Business majors can also pursue scholarships in related fields, like accounting, finance, or marketing. This guide provides in-depth information on scholarships for business majors and highlights some of the best available awards.
Finding and Applying to Business Scholarships
Where To Look
Because business is such a popular major, students can seek financial support from a variety of organizations. To encourage more students to pursue degrees and careers in the field, many organizations sponsor business scholarships.
Once you've determined what school you will be attending, you can visit that school's website for program-specific funding opportunities. Many academic departments also maintain lists of external business scholarship opportunities for students to peruse.
How To Apply
Application requirements for business scholarships vary considerably, and eligibility can be based on varying factors, like financial need, high academic achievement, or community involvement. Others look for students with professional experience, membership with an organization, or specific career interests.
Some scholarships are tied to the FAFSA, the completion of which automatically makes students eligible for consideration. Others require a separate application.
Before applying, carefully read the requirements for each award to ensure that you understand the application process fully. To qualify for merit-based awards, learners should develop their academic resumes by taking relevant classes.
To satisfy community involvement requirements, candidates can volunteer, support, and build relationships with local organizations. Applicants should always start the process early — up to a year in advance, if possible.
Learners should also consider their career goals when applying for scholarships. Many awards ask applicants to write about their professional aspirations, so preparing these thoughts in advance can help. Securing recommendation letters from teachers and employers in advance will also boost applicants' chances.
Business Scholarships
Below, we've compiled a list of the best business scholarships. This is just a starting point: Degree-seekers should conduct further research based on their interests, background, and circumstances.
Undergraduate Scholarships
Business Leaders Scholarship Award
Amount
$1,500
Open Date
See website
Deadline
May and October
About
The Business Leaders Scholarship rewards high-achieving business students. Each candidate submits an original essay, evidence of extracurricular activities, and employment history. Applicants also need a minimum 3.2 GPA and must be currently enrolled in a business-related program.
The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants provides scholarships and fellowships for students from various educational backgrounds. Most programs require applicants to pursue accounting degrees and CPA licensure, but some specifically support minority candidates, college transfer students, or those with non-business degrees, such as liberal arts.
Striving to promote careers in fraud examination, the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) offers the Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program to promising students in accounting, finance, or another business-related discipline. Applicants need to demonstrate strong academic performance and the desire to pursue fraud examination careers. Candidates should meet with their local ACFE chapters to receive recommendations.
This scholarship program recognizes promising business students and aims to inspire more students to pursue careers in RV Learning Centers. To qualify, each applicant needs to attend an undergraduate program and possess a minimum 2.8 GPA. They must also demonstrate financial need, post strong SAT or ACT scores, and commit to pursuing an RV business career after graduation.
Striving for Greatness Accounting and Finance Scholarship
Amount
$2,500
Open Date
See website
Deadline
December
About
Developed by PM Business Advisors, this scholarship rewards students who plan to become CPAs. For eligibility, accounting and finance students must demonstrate academic excellence and community involvement. They also need a minimum 3.0 GPA, leadership abilities, and proven involvement in community service organizations. Candidates also must maintain full-time enrollment in accounting or finance programs.
In an effort to promote accounting education and professions, the Teachers of Accounting at Two Year Colleges established scholarships rewarding transfer students from two-year accounting programs. For eligibility, applicants need to complete 20 credits with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Candidates must be in the process of transferring from a two-year program into a four-year accounting program.
With several scholarships available, Marketing EDGE looks to relieve some of the financial stress put on students. For eligibility, applicants must attend an undergraduate program in a marketing- or business-related major. Candidates also need a minimum 3.0 GPA and an interest in marketing, demonstrated through extracurricular activities or internships. They also need to have participated in at least one Marketing EDGE program.
PMI Educational Foundation Academic Scholarship Program
Amount
Varies
Open Date
See website
Deadline
May
About
Designed to financially support students in pursuit of project management or related degrees, the Project Management Institute offers several awards for high-achieving students at various educational levels. The foundation committee judges applicants on their academic achievements, cumulative GPAs, and extracurricular and professional experience.
The Dell Scholars Program provides financial rewards for students who demonstrate promising academic achievement and leadership capabilities. Candidates must be high school seniors with minimum 2.4 GPAs. They must also demonstrate financial need, along with the grit, ambition, and potential to succeed academically and professionally.
As part of the RentDeals.com Scholarship Program, the Dreamer Scholarship recognizes and supports promising students in pursuit of a business degree. Each applicant must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, submit a letter of recommendation from a teacher or administrator at their school, and provide a resume demonstrating professional and extracurricular experience.
Government Finance Officers Association Scholarships
Amount
Varies
Open Date
See website
Deadline
Varies
About
The GFOA provides scholarships for students at nearly every level. Most of the awards require applicants to pursue accounting or finance degrees and careers, and candidates should also demonstrate a commitment to the public sector. Some awards require applicants to have specific educational and professional experiences.
Established and run by the International Council of Shopping Centers, this program offers scholarships for students at different levels with varied educational interests. Most scholarships require a minimum 3.0 GPA in a business or real estate program. Some offer specific awards for minority candidates. Each recipient receives an industry mentor and a trip to RECon, the world's largest real estate conference.
The Association of Insurance Compliance Professionals established the AICP Scholarship Program to encourage promising students to enter the insurance industry. To be eligibile, applicants need to attend a full-time undergraduate program in business. Each candidate needs at least two completed years of school with a minimum 3.0 GPA, along with extracurricular activities and a career interest in insurance.
The American Public Transportation Foundation developed this scholarship program to support students pursuing transit-related careers. Eligible applicants must have completed their first year with a 2.0 minimum GPA. They must also pursue degrees relevant to the industry, demonstrate financial need, and be interested in the public transportation field. Each candidate submits a personal essay and recommendation letters.
Semify created the Internet Marketing Scholarship to reward high-achieving students pursuing careers in internet marketing. For eligibility, applicants need at least one year of completed college and a minimum 3.0 GPA. They must also demonstrate a passion for internet marketing through their extracurricular activities, internships, or professional experience.
Established by the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) to support promising future leaders, this scholarship rewards high-achieving students in pursuit of business degrees. An applicant must maintain ASBO membership and possess a minimum 3.0 GPA. Candidates may need relevant work experience as well.
Developed by the National Aircraft Finance Association, this scholarship recognizes high-achieving business students seeking aviation careers. Each applicant must attend school full time and possess a minimum GPA of 3.0. They must also demonstrate their potential in the profession through classes, extracurriculars, and work experience.
The National Society of Accountants offers scholarships to promote the accounting profession and support learners pursuing careers in the field. Each applicant needs a minimum 3.0 GPA and membership in NSA. Recipients with high academic standing may renew some awards.
Established by the Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS), a professional grain handling and processing industry association, this scholarship helps promote agribusiness careers and education. Applicants must commit to careers in the field of grain handling operations. The financial reward may go toward covering program tuition, materials, or registration fees.
The national organization Daughters of the American Revolution created the Mary Elizabeth Lockwood Beneventi MBA Scholarship to support students from all walks of life in their pursuit of MBAs. For eligibility, candidates need to attend an MBA program full time and have a minimum 3.25 GPA. Winning applicants may pursue a renewal of the award after year one.
In an effort to advance and support women in business, C200 began offering scholarships for promising female business students. Applicants must be enrolled in MBA programs, particularly at schools with a C200 Reachout. In addition to academic proficiency, candidates should demonstrate leadership, commitment to giving back, and financial need. Applicants with records of supporting other women may receive preference.
Designed to promote careers in interactive entertainment and game development, the Mark Beaumont Scholarship rewards high-achieving undergraduate and graduate students studying business or related disciplines. Each applicant must demonstrate financial need, have a minimum 3.3 GPA, and write a convincing essay about how they will benefit the game industry.
Scholarship Program for Accounting Students by AIS Technolabs
Amount
Up to $5,000
Open Date
See website
Deadline
May
About
Established by AIS Technolabs, this scholarship program looks to promote careers and the study of accounting. For eligibility, applicants need a high school diploma and must have completed at least one accounting course at the college or university level. While both undergraduate and graduate students can apply, graduate students must not have taken a gap year. Candidates must submit a project discussing an Online Fundraising Software for consideration.
The Institute of Management Accountants offers scholarship opportunities for students with career and education interests in accounting. Eligibility requirements vary, but several awards require applicants to pursue accounting licensure in addition to their accounting degrees. Candidates in undergraduate and graduate studies may apply. IMA membership may be required.
Golden Key provides scholarships for students at all levels, aiming primarily at learners with strong leadership and business management potential. All awards require applicants to possess a Golden Key membership, and many reward academic achievement. Candidates typically need to submit a personal statement and a resume demonstrating their extracurricular and professional experiences.
Created to inspire young women to pursue careers in public finance, this award recognizes high-achieving undergraduate female students with leadership skills and an aptitude in mathematics. Each applicant must possess a minimum 3.0 GPA in their senior year of high school, along with extracurricular activities and an interest in pursuing a career in finance or the government.
Designed to inspire more women to pursue degrees and careers in accounting, the Educational Foundation for Women in Accounting offers scholarships for accounting students at various levels. The requirements vary by award, but most eligible applicants have a minimum 3.0 GPA and demonstrate promise in the field. Some awards require financial need and professional experience.
Developed to encourage women with an entrepreneurial spirit to pursue higher education, Adore Me developed a scholarship program to recognize promising female business students. Each applicant must attend a four-year program and have a minimum GPA of 3.0. In addition to academic achievement, the award committee judges candidates on their leadership ability.
Amount:
$1,000
AFWA Foundation Scholarships
Amount
Varies
Open Date
See website
Deadline
Varies
About
The Accounting and Financial Women's Alliance established several scholarship opportunities for supporting women in pursuit of finance and accounting careers. Graduate students and undergraduates who have at least two completed years may apply. Some awards require candidates to hold membership with AFWA. The foundation awards scholarships based on applicants' academic performance and leadership capability.
Stephen Bufton Memorial Educational Fund Scholarships
Amount
Varies
Open Date
See website
Deadline
May
About
Dedicated to improving the opportunities available to women in business and leadership, SBMEF scholarships provide financial support for high-achieving women in their educational pursuits. Applicants need to have a membership with the American Business Women's Association and must demonstrate career promise. Some scholarship opportunities may have specific GPA and experience requirements.
As one of the many awards available from the Diabetes Scholars Program, the McCarter Family Scholarship recognizes women pursuing business degrees. For eligibility, applicants must be high schoolers in their senior year and commit to earning business degrees. They must also live with Type 1 diabetes and demonstrate academic and professional promise.
Zonta International established the Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship to provide support for women pursuing business management degrees and careers. Applicants should possess strong academic merits and be in at least their second year attending a university program. Candidates must be pursuing a business-related degree and demonstrate strong potential in the field.
Prospanica Foundation offers scholarships to promising business students to support undergraduate and graduate students with entrepreneurial spirits. For eligibility, an applicant of Hispanic or Latino heritage needs either a minimum 3.0 GPA or a minimum 2.75 GPA with at least two years of professional experience. Candidates also need Prospanica membership.
Awarded by the International Society of Filipinos in Finance and Accounting, this scholarship recognizes and rewards high-achieving students who plan to become CPAs. For eligibility, an ethnic minority applicant needs to maintain full-time enrollment in an accounting program, either at the undergraduate or graduate level. Each candidate must complete at least 30 credits with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Created by Deloitte Tax, the Scholars Program aims to improve diversity in the tax accountancy field by supporting accounting undergraduates at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Each applicant needs a minimum 3.0 GPA and must plan to complete a master's degree in accounting within 18 months of receiving the award. Winners also receive an internship and full-time employment opportunity with Deloitte Tax.
Established by the National Association of Black Accountants, this scholarship program recognizes promising students and helps relieve some of their financial restrictions. Each applicant must be Black and an active member of NABA and demonstrate strong academic performance. Candidates also need to pursue accounting careers.
As the nation's largest scholarship organization for LGBTQ+ learners, the Point Foundation offers several funding opportunities for business students. Applicants need a strong academic record with demonstrated leadership and community involvement. The foundation specifically offers awards for business undergraduates and MBA students who identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community.
The National Black MBA Association established several scholarships to support its members in their quest to pursue MBAs. Each opportunity has unique requirements, but typically, applicants need a minimum 3.0 GPA and current enrollment in an MBA program. Candidates should also be NBMBAA members.
While many use the terms "grant" and "scholarship" interchangeably, the two forms of funding have several differences. Generally, most scholarships reward students based on merit, as measured by things like grades or community involvement. Conversely, grants typically award funding based on need. All students should start the financial aid process by completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which can lead to grant opportunities.
Federal Pell Grants: Pell Grants are awarded to undergraduate students with financial need. The amount awarded depends on their level of need, program cost, course load, and family contributions. Recipients do not need to repay the grant.
State Grants: To encourage more students to stay and study in their states, many governments offer state grants. These typically come to all students who meet the requirements, such as financial need and study location, often favoring students who went to high school in the state. Like Pell Grants, recipients don't typically need to repay these.
Private Grants: Private grants come from various organizations — often local ones. They help students in need pursue higher education by offering funds that typically do not require repayment. Some private grants require applicants to be members of the organization, especially for business-specific or religious organizations.
Grants
Similar to scholarships, grants can come from specific schools, private organizations, or city, state, and federal government programs. Once students decide on a study discipline and location, they should research the available financial aid opportunities for their unique circumstances. The following list of grants can help students pursing careers in business or accountancy begin the grant search process.
AICPA Scholarships
Amount
Varies
Open Date
See website
Deadline
Varies
About
The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants offers scholarships for students with strong academic standing and for minority graduate students and professionals with CPA licensure. To qualify for these programs, applicant may also need to attend a graduate program full time and have professional experience.
In addition to the multitude of scholarships on offer, the Government Finance Officers Association provides grants for finance students at various levels. Eligibility requirements vary, with some of the programs recognizing students from minority groups, learners with different course loads, or applicants with professional experience. Membership with GFOA may be required to qualify.
Aiming to improve quality of life in Indigenous communities, Catching the Dream Scholarship Program provides financial support for Native students with the desire to succeed. The program offers scholarships and grants specifically for Native American students. Some programs choose candidates based on academic merit, while others look for students with defined career goals who demonstrate financial need.
Frequently Asked Questions About Business Scholarships
Where Can Business Students Find Scholarships for College?
Students can find business scholarships through several sources, including through their prospective schools; on state, city, and federal financial aid websites; and through private organizations, including nonprofits and business networking associations.
What Is the Best Time to Apply for Scholarships?
Scholarship deadlines vary, with some scholarships accepting year-round applications. However, it is most common for deadlines to be in the spring or summer, with awards starting in the fall. Students should look into scholarships as far in advance as possible to ensure that they have plenty of time to collect application materials. You may want to start as early as the first semester of your high school senior year.
What Percentage of Students Get a College Scholarship?
According to NCES data, about 72% of all undergraduate students in 2015-2016 received financial aid, including loans, grants, and work-study assignments. However, only about 8% of students receive scholarships, with an average award amount of about $3,800. The numbers are slightly higher among only bachelor's degree students: about 13% receive scholarships, averaging just over $4,000 per student.
What Kinds of Scholarships Can You Get as a Business Major?
Business majors can pursue program-, school-, or location-based scholarships. They can also receive business scholarships at different educational levels, such as those available only to master's and MBA students.
Image Credit: BJI / Blue Jean Images | Getty Images
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